Cold Minted Pea Soup

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This wonderful spring-inspired soup highlights the fresh combination of peas and mint. It can be made with yogurt instead of cream if you prefer a tarter soup with fewer calories. Many people are surprised that the recipe calls for frozen peas, a convenience during the months when fresh peas are not available. It’s not unusual, though, when you recall that James Beard was a spokesperson for the Jolly Green Giant brand.

Ingredients

6 cups chicken stock

1 small onion stuck with 2 cloves

1 clove garlic

1 teaspoon tarragon

3 pounds freshly shelled peas or 3 packages frozen peas

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 cups heavy cream or plain yogurt

Finely chopped fresh mint

Method

Put the chicken stock in a saucepan with the onion, garlic, tarragon, and peas. Cook until the peas are just tender. Remove and discard onion. Add salt and pepper to taste and purée in a food mill, blender, or food processor. Combine with cream or yogurt and serve well chilled with a generous sprinkling of mint.